People, Places, and Grace
March 1, 2016
Ephesians 2:10 “We are God’s accomplishment,
created in Christ Jesus to do good things.”
“Whenever I think of my faith journey, three words immediately jump to my mind: people, places, and grace. I immediately think of people, because neither our callings nor our ministries happen in isolation. God has constantly surrounded me with people who have mentored me, encouraged me, and supported me. I think about my youth ministers and pastors who saw gifts in me that I didn’t see in myself. I think about professors and fellow students who have both inspired and challenged me. I think about my wife and kids who have taught me so much about God’s love and goodness. Second, when I reflect on my calling I think about places. In the Old Testament, God’s people made a practice of piling large rocks as monuments to the Lord’s provision. These monuments were to be reminders of God’s faithfulness. While I’ve never piled rocks onto each other, there are certain locations and places that remind me of God’s goodness. I think about the churches I’ve served, the schools I’ve attended, and the mission trip locations…places where God has shaped my faith and ministry. Like the stone monuments of the Israelites, these locations remind me that there is a God who never fails, never leaves, and never forgets his promises. The third word that comes to my mind in my faith journey is grace. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “By the grace of God, I am who I am.” I share that same sentiment. As I look back on my past and the direction I was heading, it is truly amazing that I am here right now. My life simply does not make sense apart from his presence and spirit. It is his grace that has saved me, guided me, and equipped me.
— Rev. Brandon Dasinger/Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions
created in Christ Jesus to do good things.”
“Whenever I think of my faith journey, three words immediately jump to my mind: people, places, and grace. I immediately think of people, because neither our callings nor our ministries happen in isolation. God has constantly surrounded me with people who have mentored me, encouraged me, and supported me. I think about my youth ministers and pastors who saw gifts in me that I didn’t see in myself. I think about professors and fellow students who have both inspired and challenged me. I think about my wife and kids who have taught me so much about God’s love and goodness. Second, when I reflect on my calling I think about places. In the Old Testament, God’s people made a practice of piling large rocks as monuments to the Lord’s provision. These monuments were to be reminders of God’s faithfulness. While I’ve never piled rocks onto each other, there are certain locations and places that remind me of God’s goodness. I think about the churches I’ve served, the schools I’ve attended, and the mission trip locations…places where God has shaped my faith and ministry. Like the stone monuments of the Israelites, these locations remind me that there is a God who never fails, never leaves, and never forgets his promises. The third word that comes to my mind in my faith journey is grace. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “By the grace of God, I am who I am.” I share that same sentiment. As I look back on my past and the direction I was heading, it is truly amazing that I am here right now. My life simply does not make sense apart from his presence and spirit. It is his grace that has saved me, guided me, and equipped me.
— Rev. Brandon Dasinger/Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions